We have all been there…we get to the beach and we relax, maybe sleep, wake up, eat, and probably get bored shortly after.

I know I have been there and I’m sure you have too. 

(updated 7/24)

The best way to really save yourself from boredom is to get up and do stuff.

With a couple of beach games, you are sure to have fun with your friends or family.

There are plenty of fun beach games for both adults and families to play, but here’s just the tip of the iceberg. 

Quick Breakdown:

• Backyard Racket Set
• Volleyball Set
• Prisms Design Zenith 5 Kite
• Spikeball Game
• Flying Disc Frisbee
• Cornhole Toss
• Portable Disc Slam
• Beach Bocce Ball
• Slacklining
• The 5-Second Rule
• Limbo at the Beach
• Beach Games Without or Minimal Equipment
• Beach Games for Family

Whether you are out basking in the sun alongside your friends, keep in mind that there are plenty of other ways to catch some sun and have fun.

Games to Play at the Beach with Friends

Follow along as we break down some of the best and most popular games that have been played on beaches all over the world. 

Next time you go to the beach then grab some of these games and bring them along with you because you will have a good time.

 One of the most popular and widely known games is probably a no-brainer.

That is none other than beach volleyball.

Backyard Racket Set

Badminton is an exceptional game for the beach, combining the thrill of competition with the relaxed atmosphere of the shoreline. Its versatility makes it an ideal beach activity for all ages.

The soft sand provides a forgiving surface for players, reducing the risk of injuries while diving or making sudden movements. The gentle sea breeze adds an extra element of challenge, making each rally more exciting. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned pro, badminton’s easy-to-learn rules allow everyone to join in on the fun.

With its lightweight equipment, including a net, shuttlecock, and rackets, it’s easy to pack and set up. So, gather your friends and family, hit the beach, and experience the joy of badminton as you create wonderful memories under the sun!

Volleyball

It is probably the most common game out there because you can have many players.

If you don’t own a volleyball then be sure you buy one. Often it is one of the most entertaining forms of team playing that you can have.

If you intend to play volleyball at the beach then be sure you get there early to secure a net. 

I know most beaches have a limited number of nets and sometimes when I get there late I don’t get one. 

Make sure the beach you are going to will have a net so you can play. So do your homework.

Not all beaches have volleyball nets. Just an FYI.

Packable Beach Games for Adults

Often it is easier to pack a couple of fun beach games with you rather than bring a mess of different things.

One of the coolest things about going to the beach is that you can practically play any beach game that is easy to carry. 

On the list below we break down some of the best beach games that are easy to pack to take to the beach. These are often the most popular. 

If you haven’t heard of them yet… well now you have. 

I bought a couple of these beach games on Amazon so I could get the fast shipping and excellent return policy.

The price will likely change over time, but check the current price of each beach game on Amazon.

Prisms Design Zenith 5 Kite

Experience the thrill of the skies with the Prisms Design Zenith 5 Kite, your ultimate companion for breezy beach days and sunny afternoons. Crafted for both beginners and seasoned kite enthusiasts, this kite promises hours of fun and excitement.

Features:

• Durable Construction: Made from high-quality, ripstop nylon, the SkyMaster Deluxe is designed to withstand strong winds and rough handling, ensuring long-lasting durability.
• Vibrant Design: With its eye-catching, colorful patterns, this kite is not only fun to fly but also a beautiful sight against the blue sky.
• Easy Assembly: The Prisms Design Zenith 5 Kite comes with a straightforward assembly guide, making it quick and easy to set up, so you can get flying in no time.
• Stable Flight: Engineered for stability, this kite features a long tail and a balanced frame, making it easy to control and perfect for all ages.
• Complete Kit: Includes a sturdy spool of string, easy-grip handles, and a handy carrying bag for on-the-go adventures.

How to Fly the Prisms Design Zenith 5 Kite:

1. Assemble Your Kite:
   • Unfold the kite and lay it flat on the ground.
   • Attach the cross spars (the rods that go across the kite) by sliding them into the designated sleeves or connectors.
   • Secure the main spar (the vertical rod) in place.
   • Ensure all connections are tight and the kite is properly shaped.
2. Prepare the String:
   • Unwind about 20-30 feet of the string from the spool.
   • Attach the string to the kite’s bridle (the point where the string connects to the kite) using a secure knot.
3. Find the Right Spot:
   • Choose an open area free of obstructions like trees, power lines, and buildings.
   • Ensure the wind is steady and blowing at a moderate speed (about 5-20 mph is ideal for this kite).
4. Launch Your Kite:
   • Stand with your back to the wind and hold the kite up by the bridle point.
   • As the wind catches the kite, gently let it go and allow the string to unwind slowly.
   • Alternatively, have a friend hold the kite while you walk backwards and pull on the string to catch the wind.
5. Flying the Kite:
   • Once airborne, let out more string to allow the kite to climb higher.
   • Use gentle tugs on the string to control the kite’s direction and keep it stable.
   • If the kite starts to dive or wobble, pull in some string to regain control.
6. Landing the Kite:
   • Slowly reel in the string to bring the kite back down.
   • Walk towards the kite while winding the string to maintain tension and control.

Enjoy the mesmerizing dance of your SkyMaster Deluxe Beach Kite in the sky. Whether you’re a solo flyer or sharing the experience with friends and family, this kite will bring joy and excitement to your outdoor adventures. Happy flying!

Spikeball Game

Spikeball has become more popular at beaches and outdoor camping sites because it’s so easy to play.

It’s kind of like a volleyball-type game except the net is on the ground and there are fewer players.

This game is so much fun!

How to Play:

• 2 players and 2 teams 
• Each player slams the ball into the center net to the opposing team. Each team has only 3 hits before they have to bounce, slam, or spike the ball on the net in the direction of the opposing team.
• The trampoline-based net is easy to set up and use. Trust me, this game can go on for hours. 

Flying Disc Frisbee Game

Flying Disc Frisbee Game

• Players: Four or more
• How to Play: This game is more like a frisbee game, but more like a frisbee toss.  It is easy to carry because there isn’t much equipment.
• The idea is to throw the frisbee to your opponent and hope that they miss catching it. You can count points when one catches it successfully.

Cornhole Toss Game

Cornhole Toss Game

• Players: Many
• How to Play: Cornhole toss is often very easy to play and doesn’t have too many materials. It is a very easy game to set up and a very fun fast-paced game. 
• All you need is a cornhole board and bean bags and the goal of the game is to toss the little bags of sand in the hole. It is not rocket science and it is very easy to play.
• It definitely can go on for hours and it can keep you entertained for hours at the beach. 

Portable Disc Slam Outdoor

Portable Disc Slam by Kan Jam

• Players: Two teams of two
• How to play: This game has a frisbee toss type of game. The first team to get to 21 points wins!
• You have a thrower and a deflector. The two cans are placed 50 ft apart. The goal is to take turns throwing the frisbee for points.
• Once the frisbee is tossed, a “slam dunk” into the bucket by the deflector can give you 3 points.
• It is 2 points if the frisbee directly hits the can.
• If the frisbee is deflected, also known as a “Dinger” it becomes 1 point.
• If the frisbee is directly inserted in the center slot, it’s an instant win.

Beach Bocce Ball

Bocce Ball Set

• How to Play: A ball is tossed underhand at a reasonable distance away. That ball is called the Pallino ball. 
• The object of the game is to toss the other balls as close as possible to the Pallino ball. Whoever’s ball comes the closest is awarded points depending on the distance from the actual Pallino ball.
• The players must toss each of the balls underhand as close as they can to the Pallino ball. 

Slacklining

Slacklining

If you haven’t seen this at the beach yet then you’re missing out! It’s so much fun to watch and do!

Another yet super fun game to play is called slacklining.

The object of the game is purely just to balance yourself on the line. You pretty much get a total body workout!

And it’s a great exercise to really engage your core and give you mental clarity to focus!

The 5-Second Rule

• How to Play: Even though it is a card game I will admit it is one of my favorite games to play out there and what better way to play than at the beach with your friends? You can have three or more players and it really allows you to think on the spot. 
• The object of this game is to think of three things depending on what the card says, you then have 5 seconds to name them. 
• It’s easy to take with you. It also doesn’t have too many pieces so you don’t have to about losing them at the beach. 

Limbo Game at the Beach

• How to Play: This is probably one of the more known beach games. You can buy or use a beach towel to hold up the limbo bar. The object of the game is to lower the bar until the person can lo longer limbo underneath it.
• If you can twist your beach towel and have two people hold it up to make it easier.

Beach Games Without or Minimal Equipment

Musical Beach Towels

• How to Play: This game is exactly like musical beach chairs, the only difference is that instead of using beach chairs you will be using beach towels.
• Bring a Bluetooth speaker or even your phone to play some music. Once the music stops the players will run to the beach towels that are closest to them and sit on them. Whoever doesn’t get a beach towel is out, until there’s one player left. 

Bury a Friend in the Sand

• How to Play: This isn’t really a game, but more of a fun activity you can do at the beach. The object of the game is to have somebody bury you up to your neck in the sand. 
• It definitely takes a while and it is pretty fun. You can take turns burying each other in the sand and it often makes for a pretty good beach picture.

Beach Bodysurfing

• How to Play: Beach body surfing is actually swimming in the ocean without actually having a boogie board in hand. The object of the game is to ride with the waves by swimming in the same direction as the waves.
• You use your body as a boogie board and see how far the waves can bring you to the shore. 

Deck of Cards

• Something as simple as a deck of cards also works. I have done this many times. There are plenty of card games you can play. Not only is this easy to bring to the beach, but very fun. If you know a couple of card games, then definitely stop at the store to buy one.

Best Beach Games for Families

Build a Sand Castle

One of the easiest things you can do is build a sandcastle with your friends or even your family.

It is one of the most fun yet challenging things you can create.

Have you seen some of those amazing sandcastles that people create?

In the summertime, you can definitely check out the sandcastle competitions in San Diego!

It’s really fun to see! And it literally blows your mind!

Frisbee Throwing

This is probably one of the easiest things you can do.

Whether you buy the frisbee toss rings or grab a good old-fashioned frisbee!

They both work! When I was younger, my dad and I would always play this at the beach!

Kite Flying

This is definitely entertaining for anybody. It isn’t just for kids! Kite flying is actually quite fun for adults too.

It could be challenging to just get the wind to catch the kite perfectly, but once you do, then be prepared to be entertained for hours. 

Blow Bubbles

This is perfect for families and kids to enjoy. It is quite fun to blow many bubbles just for the heck of it.

If you have a larger bubble wand, then even better.

My family used to bring the big bubble wands and you can take some pretty epic Instagram pics with them.

Just be wary that it can get your hands all soapy.

Collect Shells

Whether you’re bringing your family or yourself, this is fun regardless.

One of the most engaging games to play is to collect seashells.

If you ever visit Florida Beach, beaches like Panama City and Pensacola Beach have the most amazing seashells ever! But it’s also cool to collect them in Cali!

My cousin’s kids spent hours washing them and bringing them back. There are some pretty epic seashells out there.

Treasure Hunt

This can be played with your little ones. You may need some paper.

Make a list of all the things you can find at the beach.

Nowadays, if you take your phone in a protective case, you can take pictures of things you need to map out. It’s really easy and definitely fun.

Beach Soccer

Have you ever watched beach soccer? Whether you have or not this is actually one of the most entertaining sports you can play.

What better way to practice your skills than freestyling beach soccer?

This is by far one of my favorite games to play. 

Beach Football

One of the most common games to play on the beach.

Find an empty area when you have enough room to toss the football.

My dad and brother would play this at the beach at all times! It was pretty fun to watch them!

More Beach Games To Play

• Beach Bowling: Create your DIY bowling alley in the sand using empty plastic bottles or beach-themed pins. Take turns rolling a beach ball and see who can knock down the most pins.
• Beach Tic-Tac-Toe: Draw a giant tic-tac-toe grid in the sand and use seashells or rocks as game pieces. Play against friends or family for a beachy twist on this classic game.
• Beach Relay Races: Set up relay races with various fun challenges like running with a water balloon between your knees, hopping on one foot, or crab walking back to the start line.
• Beach Pictionary: Bring the classic drawing and guessing game to the beach. Use sticks or fingers to draw in the sand and let your creativity shine.
• Beach Treasure Hunt: Create a list of beach-themed items or specific shells to find, and have participants go on a treasure hunt. The first one to find all the items wins a prize!
• Beach Charades: Write down beach-related words or phrases on pieces of paper, and have players act them out without speaking while others guess what they are acting.
• Sand Tic-Tac-Toe Volleyball: Draw a tic-tac-toe grid in the sand near the net of your beach volleyball court. Each time a team scores a point, they get a chance to make a move on the grid, combining two classic games into one.
• Beach Simon Says: Play the classic Simon Says game but with beach-themed actions, such as “Simon says surf like a pro” or “Simon says do your best seagull impression.”
• Beach Ball Relay: Use beach balls and race against another team, passing the ball overhead or between the legs without using hands.

Conclusion

There are probably a hundred more different fun beach games that you can play for both adults and families.

These are just a few ideas you can probably use while having a fun day at the beach. 

If you are visiting the beach with your friends or family then oftentimes there is much more to do than just sitting around and sleeping at the beach.

If you are going to the beach for the day then try any of these beach games as they will definitely pump up your blood and allow you to get some exercise at the beach.

Don’t forget to bring beach essentials when you’re visiting the beach.

Check out my blog which contains the 20 Top Essentials To Bring With You To The Beach.

If you’re visiting with your dog then do not forget the top essentials that your dog needs.  These dog accessories are must-haves next time you visit the beach.